Becoming Empowered - Paul Newman's Legacy Inspires Character

By Alice Vlietstra

Paul Newman, even with his transition and passing, inspires us to honor our American Roots. A legendary actor, he starred in 76 movies, giving us classics such as, "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and "The Hustler." He was nominated for the Academy Award for a total of ten times and won it in 1987 for "The Color of Money." Beyond acting, he was known as a multi-talented liberal activist, a racecar driver, and a devoted husband and father. His marriage to Joan Woodard lasted over fifty years. As a philanthropist, he capitalized on his fame to raise millions for terminally ill children.

Most fascinating to me has been his entrepreneurial success in developing a leading premium food company that offers organic food and beverage products. The company, "Newman's Own," has a charitable mission that is expressed in its company motto: "Shameless exploitation in pursuit of the Common Good." All the profits and royalties after taxes are donated for educational and charitable purposes. So far they have donated more than 250 million to causes such as the "Hole in the Wall Camps" for children with life threatening illnesses. The company, now run by his daughter Nells, has a fierce brand loyalty.

The memory of Paul Newman that stands out the most to me is his parody of the American Gothic that is placed on Newman's Own products. The American Gothic is a 1930 portrait of a farmer with a pitchfork, a younger woman, and a farmhouse. It is an icon of its own, depicting stark frontal figures that face the viewer with authenticity and authority. It reminds us that America is built on the labors of men and women of virtue and a pioneering spirit. The images depict strengths such as industry, honesty, and community, as well good dose of humor for our
humanity. These strengths still endure today.

What is it that makes for Paul Newman's enduring legacy? I believe is his appeal to character. We are increasingly looking for deep and meaningful relationships in how we live our lives and what we buy. He has been an inspiration to us all.

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